DETROIT – Whether you're looking to beat the heat by heading really far up north or looking for a Disney discount: Ruth to the Rescue has found some summer travel deals that may be too good to refuse.
Longtime travel consultant David Fishman of the Cadillac Travel Group says late summer can be a good time to get-up and go.
"In the summer time, sometimes people don't think of leaving Michigan. So, we need to remind them there are specials and deals out there," said Fishman.
Beat the heat by Heading north!
With this summer's triple digit heat, this year could be the year to head further north than you've ever gone before.
"I've always wanted to go to Alaska. I hear its beautiful, very adventurous," said Mike Emlaw, of Royal Oak.
So, how about an Alaskan cruise? Fishman showed us a seven-night Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver with prices as low as $649 for an ocean view room. That's aboard the Celebrity Millennium, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and ending in Seward, Alaska.
"An ocean view cabin is $649 per person -- plus taxes -- that is an unbelievable deal," Fishman said.
Cruise your way to savings
There are other cruise deals. Royal Caribbean offers a 4-night Bahamas cruise out of Miami with interior rooms as low as $329 plus taxes, and and ocean view room starting at $369 a person. That's on the Majesty of the Seas.
There are also good deals on European cruises. Prices aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas start at $469 for an inside state room plus taxes, and $849 for an ocean view. The cruise prices do not include air fares, but they do include just about everything else.
European benefit
If you choose to head across the pond, there is another benefit: a better exchange rate for the euro. One drawback to that European vacation, the Summer Games in London could have a ripple effect on tourism.
"You're gonna probably get a little spike of people traveling through Europe after the Olympics," said Fishman.
Savings on land
If you're looking for a tropical trip without the sailing: how about Puerto Rico? Five nights at a hotel, round trip from New York, and taxes add up to just $359 per person. Fishman says you would have to arrange flights to and from New York, but you would need a connecting flight somewhere to get to San Juan anyway.
Even Walt Disney World is offering discounts, up to 30 percent off hotel rates. One package offers three nights at a Disney hotel, tickets to the park- flight to and from Atlanta-- and taxes for $590 per person. Here, you would need to add a flight to Atlanta.
"The fact that Disney has some deals out there still to draw people is pretty amazing," said Fishman.
Pure Michigan fun
Fishman also says our home state is trying to win your business.
"There's been some great deals throughout the summer in Michigan," he said.
Some of those deals are being offered in Mackinac. The Grand Hotel is offering "Family Added Value Days". The perks include no charge for guests under 17 in the same room with their parents, guests are treated to an ice cream social, free programs for the kids, and golf discounts.
Other travelers just love Traverse City
"The surrounding area is just beautiful. It's a place to relax- the weather up there is just absolutely fantastic," said Neil Keith, of Bloomington, Indiana.
Hotel discounts in Traverse City are just the beginning, there are other perks.
"Where you'll get discounts on like putt-putt and discounts to go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes- and other landmarks and areas that you can go have fun with the whole family," said Fishman
So, don't give up on that summer fun yet. Start looking for those deals, pack your bags, and make some special summer memories.